A column about the Tyrone-Snyder Public Library
Check for updated information about the library, its books, programs, and special events in this column appearing bi-weekly on Thursdays in The Daily Herald.
The library board and staff want to extend a huge “THANK YOU” to everyone who supported the Library’s annual concert last Saturday. As a result of your generosity, the library is wealthier by over $11,000.00. We are extremely grateful for the continued support of the community for this project. We are already planning next year’s event which will feature….oh, no! Can’t reveal that name yet!
Young adults are the focus of the LSTA grant for the Blair County Library System this year. The library has purchased several new books aimed to entice young adult readers to feast on them. The new books encompass a variety of topics and interests from manga and graphic novels to romance and sports titles.
“Manga” is the Japanese word for “comics” and this style of literature has been around since shortly after World War II. Popular subjects for manga publications include action-adventure, romance, sports and games, science fiction and fantasy, and mystery. In Japan, manga comics are initially published in a manga magazine with one episode from a variety of stories being published together. If the individual chapters are successful, then they may be bound together into a book. Manga was first introduced in the United States in the 1980s and has gradually gained popularity. Currently at least 15 US publishers have printed over 1300 manga titles. The library has added Vampire Knight volumes 1- 4 by Matsuri Hino and Fruits Basket volumes 1-2 by Natsuki Takaya, to its manga collection. Other fantasy titles added recently include House of Night series volumes 1- 4 by P.C. Cast and Beastly by Alex Flinn.
A graphic novel is a type of comic book, usually with a lengthy and complex storyline similar to those of novels, and often aimed at mature audiences. Recent films such as Beowulf and Neil Gaiman’s Stardust are based on graphic novels. Many graphic novels have adventure/action as the theme. New graphic novels available at the library include Naruto volumes 1-4 by Masashi Kishimoto; Bleach Volumes 1-4 by Kubo Tite; Fullmetal Alchemist volumes 1- 4 by Hiromu Arakawa; and Stormbreaker: the Graphic Novel by Anthony Horowitz (part of the Alex Rider series).
Several books about romance and high school life have been added to our collection. They include Princess Diaries series volumes 1-3 by Meg Cabot; The Clique series volumes 1-3 by Lisi Harrison; Fake Boyfriend by Kate Brian; Perfect Girl by Mary Hogan; and ttfn and L8r G8r by Lauren Myracie.
Books with a sports theme added recently include Skate by Michael Harmon; Heat and Summer Ball by Mike Lupica; and Ironman by Chris Crutcher.
For those readers interested in social issues, the library has purchased the following books: cut by Patricia McCormick; Crank by Ellen Hopkins; One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies by Sonya Sones; What Happened to Cass McBride by Gail Giles; and Wrecked by E.R. Frank.
There is still time for young adult readers to take part in the “One Book Blair County” event. One Book Blair County's 2008 selection is Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. Throughout the month of April, 2008, One Book Blair County will present book discussions, movies, and other cultural events designed to bring our community together through the enjoyment of reading. A special raffle for teen patrons will give young adult patrons a chance to win gift certificates for the Logan Valley Mall and Barnes and Noble. To enter the raffle, teen patrons must check out one LSTA Young Adult grant title and a copy of Fahrenheit 451. Check out the new titles for young adults and, hopefully, win a prize. Of course, a good book is like a gift certificate for the soul.
As always, we look forward to seeing you at the library soon!